Watch: Union Midfielder Alejandro Bedoya Tells Congress To 'End Gun Violence' After Scoring Goal Against D.C. United
WASHINGTON (CBS) -- Philadelphia Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya had a message for Congress on Sunday night. After scoring a goal against D.C. United, Bedoya celebrated with his teammates before running over to a field microphone to deliver a statement to Washington on national TV.
"Hey Congress, do something now. End gun violence. Let's go," Bedoya said.
Bedoya's message comes as the United States is left reeling after the latest rash of mass shootings.
Twenty people were killed and dozens were injured during a mass shooting at a shopping mall in El Paso on Saturday. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for the man suspected in the El Paso shooting and will also pursue domestic terrorism charges against the suspect.
Less than 24 hours later, nine people were killed and 16 people were injured in a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio.
CBS NEWS: Shooter In Dayton, Ohio Kills 9 And Leaves 16 Wounded
It wasn't the first time Sunday that Bedoya commented on the gun violence in Texas and Ohio.
WARNING: Tweets contain explicit language:
Seeing more thoughts and prayers bullshit.
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 4, 2019
Words without actions are just worthless. America, it seems, is becoming a dystopian society.
Do something!!! Enough!!!
I'm not a policymaker either. I'm shouting at those hypocrites to get their shit together. You want some plans. We can start with stricter background checks, red flag laws, making a registry for gun purchases, closing gun show loopholes, and taxing ammunition. Better for you? https://t.co/pHNw6EdueX
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) August 4, 2019
The 32-year-old Bedoya has U.S. national team experience. He made the U.S. National Team's 2010 preliminary World Cup roster but was cut from the final roster. He's played for the U.S. in the 2011 and 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup and in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement to CBS3, the Union said:
"The Philadelphia Union support Alejandro Bedoya. He is taking a stand. The events that transpired this weekend across the country are deplorable. Our hearts go out to everyone affected."
Union head coach Jim Curtin said after the game he's on "Alejandro's team on the Philadelphia Union and I'm on Alejandro's team in support of his comments on gun control."
"I'm on his side. It's outrageous. Things need to change in this country for sure," Curtin said, "and I'll support anyone who speaks their mind and is intelligent and informed on it every time. That's what Alejandro is. He's passionate. He cares.
"And again, it's a real issue in our country now that needs to change. A lot of people will tell me now and Ale to shut up, to stick to sports and all these stupid lines that come up. But it's crazy. It's crazy in our country right now and I think it needs to change as well."